The New Balance 550, having quickly established itself as a staple in sneaker culture, is embracing a fresh and experimental look with the newly released “Sashiko Pack,” in two distinct colorways, “Linen” and “Pecan.” Unlike the traditional leather iterations, these sneakers boast a heavy canvas construction, complemented by small suede swatches at the collars. The off-white soles and patterned exposed foam tongues are standout features, enhancing the pack’s unique aesthetic.
Drawing inspiration from Japanese sashiko embroidery, the pack has intricate stitching and visible patchwork details. The grey suede “N” logos, embroidered “550” on the eyelets, and the “NB” branding on the heels maintain the brand’s signature style. The tongues feature a patchwork design with red polka dots, further emphasizing the sashiko theme.
SNEAKERS
The sneakers sit on clean off-white midsoles and outsoles, with tonal laces completing the cohesive look. Available in full-family sizing, the New Balance 550 “Sashiko Pack” offers a stylish and textured alternative to the classic 550s. The introduction of these natural tones and heavy textiles brings a fresh perspective to the popular model, showing New Balance’s ability to innovate while paying homage to traditional craftsmanship.
This release underscores New Balance’s continued dedication to the 550 silhouette, a model that has seen numerous collaborations and special editions since its reintroduction in 2020. This collection, launched on May 24, 2024, retails for $120 and can be found directly from NewBalance.com. Take a closer look at the sneaker in the Gallery below:
